Hairdressing comb



April 1953 W. J. SERVILLA I 2,636,498

HAIRDRESSING COMB Filed July 27, 1950 Gttornegs Patented Apr. 28, 1 953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HAIRDRESSING COMB William J. Servilla, Bridgeport, Conn.

Application July 27, 1950, Serial No. 176,137

11 Claims. 1

This invention relates to hairdressing combs and more particularly to hairdressing combs which are capable of being drawn through the hair with a minimum of effort and without tugging or jerking, even though the hair is long and thick, and even if it is snarled or entangled, or otherwise difiicult to comb. Frequently, in combing hair, difficulty is experienced when the comb encounters a snarled or entangled portion, whereupon tugging or jerking of the comb is usually resorted to, with the result that quite often strands of hair are pulled out with a stinging sensation which is considerably annoying. ihis is a common occurrence with persons having curly or kinky hair and it is also more common in the combing of a womans hair which is longer and thicker than a man-s hair and the possibility of its becoming snarled or entangled is therefore proportionately greater.

Even when the hair is not entangled or knotted, the comb could be drawn through the hair too deeply with the result that binding could occur between the teeth of the comb and the heavy tufts of hair passing therethrough to cause similar irritation. Additionally, unless the stroke of the comb is halted promptly, the result is usually a snapped or broken comb to aggravate the situation.

In an eifort to avoid such undesirable consequences, a comb with widely spaced teeth has often been resorted to. Such a comb is, of course, less susceptible to this undesirable characteristic of binding or catching but its use is not too desirable inasmuch as such a comb does not yield as becoming an appearance to the combed hair. In addition, such a comb is usually larger and heavier and more difficult to work with and, as a result, such combs with widely spaced teeth have not been accepted to any great extent.

It is a purpose of this invention to provide a comb which may easily be drawn through the hair and yield a becoming appearance.

It is a further purpose of this invention to provide a comb to be drawn through the hair to dress the same with a minimum of effort, even though the hair is long and thick and there are snarls or tangles present.

A still further purpose of the invention is to provide a comb which reduces to a minimum the possibility of catching in th hair and avoids pulling out of strands of hair.

An advantageous feature of the invention is the shaping of the teeth of the comb thereof whereby a smooth action is attained'in drawing the comb through the hair.

the preferred embodiment of the invention referring to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the improved comb of the present invention.

Fi 2 is a bottom plan view of the comb illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the comb taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of a modification of the comb shown in Figs. 1-3.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the comb illustrated in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation of another modification of the improved comb.

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the comb illustrated in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a front elevation of still another modification of the improved comb.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the comb illustrated in Fig. 8.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in I the drawings, the improved comb l0 comprises.

a flexible backbone or comb body I I of hard rubber or similar material suitable for the purpose. The comb body may be molded or otherwise manufactured in a diamond or square shaped cross section, as shown in Fig. 3, to provide a better gripping body for the fingers of the opera- Such a diamond shaped form has been tor. found far superior to the normally round or arcuate form hitherto used and provides for better gripping and avoids the possibility of the comb slipping in the hand of the operator.

As shown in Fig. 2, which illustrates a personal comb, such as used in the home, the backbone ii may have a wavy, undulating or curly form perpendicular to the teeth length which gives an undulating appearance to the comb. The curvature and spacing of these waves is such as to provide finger recesses which form a better gripping surface for the fingers of the user. This, however, is not absolutely essential to the operation of the comb and the backbone could be flat.

3 such as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, wherein a professional or barbers comb 20 is illustrated. In a use such as in mens haircutting, a straight bac bone is preferable for trimming the hair on the neck or temples, where it is desirable to place the comb close to the scalp.

While the comb may have a wavy portion extending over half of the length and a straight portion for the remainder of the length, it is herein illustrated as being wavy or straight for the full length tl' 'eredf as required.

Straight teeth i2ex'tend irom the backbone H in a slightly outwardly flared fanlike formation, as shown in Fig. 1. At the central portion of the comb, the teeth l2 extend substantially at a right angle to the backbone H, whereas the teeth H2 at the outer portions of the comb are inclined outwardly slightly in opposite directions away from the central portion. The 'rela'tidnship of the flaring of the teeth may be such that the axes of all the straight teeth, if extended, would pass through a common point. Howevensuch is nfitjfssiitiailhrid as long 'as the teeth are flared outwardly, the beneficial results. of prevention of hair binding and catching in the teeth-are obta'i'ried 'in varying, degrees.

The teeth ma have a diamond or a square shaped cross section, similar to the cross section pf the backbone of the'comb, and may be slightly tapered. The ends of the teeth are smoothly rounded anda'r'e not sharp, to avoid any tendency to scratch or irritate the scalp.

carved; undulating or wavy teeth it are 'alter nately interposed between the straight teeth i2 afid'have a'rcuate portions which deviate equally to. both sides of the tooth axis to present an undulating appearance The 'inedian -line intersecting the space betweenadjacentstraight teeth, is considered the axis 'of an undulating tooth and passes through the center of the base and tip'ofthe tooth.

The Wavy teeth do not touch the surface of tltiestr'ai'ght'teeth'at any point butjapproach and recede therefrom in undulating fashion. The axsofthe curved teeth, if extended could similarly pass through the common apex of the'aires of'the *strai'ght teeth.

The curved or Wavy teeth H are thus in 'a enera 1 way flared in a 'similarfanlikre fashion as the straight teeth; that is, the axes ofthe wavy'teeth at the central portion'of the comb are substantially at right angles to the backbone Ill-fsiinilar to thestraight teeth thereat, Whereas the axes of the wavy teeth at the outer portions of -the'co'm'b are inclined'outw'ardly slightly, "similar to the straight teeth thereat.

Such a configuration of the wavy teeth enables the hair to slip through the teeth of the comb eas ier an'd prevents bunching and binding of the hair tufts. It is to be noted what whenever a Wavy tooth or tine approaches one adjacent straight tooth, it creates a larger space behind it with respect to the other adjacent straight tooth-and it b'elieved that such creates the resiliency andfiexibility requisite to the smooth passage of the hair.

The wavy teeth Hi may have a diamond or a square shapedcross section similar to the straight teeth'and backbone of the comb, and may also be slightly tapered similar to the straight teeth.

The'ends of :the Wavy teeth are smoothlyjrounded and are not sharp to avoid scratching or irritating the scalp.

As shown'in Figs. 1 and 2, the bases ofthe teeth follow the undulations of the backbone and the length of the straight and wavy teeth is such that the ends of the teeth form a concave arcuate line. The curvature of this line gives to the comb greater conformability to the contour of the head and provides for an easier and more uniform stroke of the comb whereby the hair passes through the teeth of the comb more evenly. The spacing and flaring of the teeth is so arranged that the ends of the teeth are equally spaced along the concave arcuate line created thereby. Inthe case 'ofthebarbers 28, the spacing is, of course, equal along thestraight line formed by the ends of the teeth. Such even spacing of the ends of the teeth also enables an even flow of hairthrough the comb by thus picking up approximately even groups of hair.

The ends of'the outermost teeth l8, l6 by reason of the comb curvature which conforms to the contour of the head and also due to the increasingoutward flare of the teeth as they approach the outer ends of the comb, are spaced outwardly sufficiently from the teeth adjacent thereto to form points capable of being used for forming a part in the hair. In the usual type of cornbwherein the ends or" the-teeth area straight line and there-is no outward flare to the teeth, the ends of the outermost teeth are; much closer to the ends of the- -adj'aceiit teeth and are more difficult'to use for-parting tlie'hair; The comb or" the present invention-'avoidsthis difficulty by the construction shown.

The extent to which the outermost teth"l6, TB extend beyond the teeth adjacent theretorirsy advantageously be increasedto provide -for a" better parting. spike. Such is, of course, highly desirabie in the case of the barber-h cdinb '20,

shown in Figs. 4.- and 5, in which there 'isno' curvature formed by the ends 'of t'h'e tethQzfiTd the added length can b'e us'e'd regime advantage on the outermost teeth, 26,

When the improved comb 'of the preseht'i'rivntion is drawn through 5 thick, long hair 'or'lthi'hiigh hair which is snarled or matted, the undulatingfcrm or the wavy teeth cooper'atswith the sides of the straight teeth to gently breakup such obstructions and to permit a smoothniovemeiit of the 'co'fnb through the hair.

In passing through 'tlieteth 'of the 'tio'ihbjthe' hairs ti'ac'e a'siriuouspath caused by'the wavy surfaces of the curved teeth and not only 'is'ah' easier and smoother' actioiip'rovided butthefhair is giveh' sught'aiternate lateral movements wmea flufi lip and bringbilt'ariy curl i'in'tri'e Hair? avoid an undesirable stringy appearance. The

undulating surface o f'itli'ef backhoiie' assists i'rftliis and provides 'for increased il'uflii'ig'iip' or the hair;

thus providing advantages beyond 'the ine're creation of finger grips. I The profess'iciial, or barbrs'coiiib "2 ll shown Figs. '4 and 5, has a Straight backbo" is prei'erable'in this typeof coriibus d"priiharily in'i'nenshaii'cilttin'g; 'Straightt'eeth '22 an raw teeth z'aextenu'out of col'itat with each "013E6 1" and in alternate fashion"f ro m'thejbackbdrie 2! in similar fashion to' the' t'e'feth on the backbone of comb m. The eiidsoftheout'erihbst teeth es, 2e are extended beyond the su ig litlih'eformedby' thee'h'ds of member teth tb parting spikes. The spaciiigif "thete'e'th dn'itl'ie' left-hand "end of the-"comb has been 'arsvga go represent a coarse size, whereas the spacing of--the teeth on the right-hand endof the comb-has been drawn to represent mediumcoarse size. It is,

of course, obvious that any selectiiii (if-spacing may be made to "have any desired size relationship and the sizes selected for this..and other combs represented herein is merely illustrative and not limitative. Such a comb permits close working when u'sedin conjunction with shears and also provides for the drawing of the comb through the hair with less efiort than if all the teeth were straight.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the principle of the present invention is equally applicable to a curling comb or, as is more popularly known, a rattail comb 36. The backbone 31 of this comb is also given a curved or undulating shape which not only facilitates gripping of the comb thereat but also cooperates with the curved or undulating shape of the wavy teeth 34, interspersed alternately between the straight teeth 32. The ends of the outermost teeth 36, 36 are extended similarly to the outermost teeth [6, 16' on the comb l B and also constitute parting spikes.

While the backbone 3! may be provided with a diamond or square shape as shown in Fig. 1, it is illustrated in this form of the invention as having fiat sides. The handle of the comb 30 is also formed with undulations which provide recesses for the fingers. A portion 38 at the. outermost end of the comb 30 is straight inasmuch as the comb is never gripped at such a far end and as such a straight length facilitates the sliding of the hair curls on its surface.

A double edged comb 48 is shown in Figs. 8 and 9 of a similar nature to the comb of Figs. 1 and 8 but possessing a double row of teeth which are oppositely positioned on each side of a backbone 4!. Straight teeth 42 and w-avy teeth 44 are present, as usual, and the ends of the outermost teeth 46, 46 are similarly increased in length to provide parting spikes. While a diamond of square shaped backbone, as shown in Fig. 3, may be provided, if desirable, in the illustrated form of the invention it has flat sides. It is pointed out that the teeth on the opposite sides of the back-bone 4| may be of the same spacing, or of any selected differing sizes as required. In the illustrated form of the invention they are coarse on one side and medium coarse on the other side.

The comb may be provided with a handle 45, similar to the handle 35, and also may have a straight end portion 48 whereby a double curling comb is formed.

The curvature of the undulations of the wavy teeth is such that there is no contact between the wavy teeth and the straight teeth when in normal untensioned condition. the comb, the teeth may be flexed slightly to one side or the other but they remain substantially out of contact at all times. Hair which is difiicult to comb may be dressed very easily with the improved comb of the present invention and the hair will assume a more pleasing appearance and be flufiier and wavier.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific embodiments shown or described but variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. In a hairdressing comb of the character described, a comb backbone and a row of spaced alternating straight teeth and undulating teeth extending outwardly along the length of said backbone, said undulating teeth being undulated in the direction of the length of the comb backbone with the undulations thereof lying between and substantially coextensive in length with the straight teeth, the teeth in said row being noncontiguous when in normal untensioned condi- During use of 6' non with the ends or each tooth substantially lying on a line connecting the teeth immediately.

adjacent thereto, whereby. the comb may be drawn easily and without binding through hair normally diflicult to comb.

2. In a hairdressing comb of the character described, a comb backbone and a row of spaced alternating straight teeth and undulating teeth extending outwardly along the length of said backbone, said undulating teeth being undulated in the direction of the length of the comb backbone and having curved portions alternately deviating on both sides of the tooth axis, the undulating teeth in said row being substantially coextensive in length with the adjacent straight teeth and being noncontiguous when in normal untensioned condition with the ends of each tooth substantially lying on a line connecting the teeth immediately adjacent thereto, whereby the comb can be drawn easily and without binding through hair normally diiiicult to comb.

, 3. In a hairdressing comb of the character described, a comb backbone and a row of spaced alternating straight teeth andv undulating teeth which are undulated in the direction along the length of said backbone, the teeth located at the central portion of said row extending substantially perpendicularly to said backbone, and the teeth located at the outer portions of said row extending outwardly from said backbone on both sides of and inclined to said backbone and away from the teeth at the central portion, the teeth in said row being noncontiguous when in normal untensioned condition, whereby the comb can be drawn easily and without binding through hair normally diflicult to comb.

4. In a hairdressing comb of the character described, a comb backbone and a row of spaced alternating straight teeth and undulating teeth which are undulated in the direction along the length of said backbone, the teeth located in the central portion of said row extending substantially perpendicularly to. said backbone and the teeth located in the outer portions of said row extending outwardly from said backbone on both sides of and inclined away from the teeth in the central portion, said undulating teeth having curved portions alternately deviating on both sides of the tooth axis, the teeth in said row being noncontiguous when in normal untensioned condition, whereby the comb can be drawn easily and without binding through hair normally difficult to comb.

5. In a hairdressing comb of the character described, a comb backbone, a row of spaced alternating straight teeth and undulating teeth which are undulated in the direction along the length of said backbone, the teeth located in the central portion of said row extending substantially perpendicularly to said backbone and the teeth located in the outer portions of said row extending outwardly from said backbone on both sides of and inclined away from the teeth in the central portion, said undulating teeth having curved portions alternately deviating on both sides of the tooth axis, the teeth in said row being noncontiguous when in normal untensioned condition, and parting spikes at the ends of said row of teeth, the ends of said parting spikes extending beyond the ends of the teeth in said row, whereby the hair may be parted and the comb may be drawn easily and without binding through hair normally difficult to comb.

6. In a hairdressing comb of the character described, a comb backbone having undulations and theje'e'jth lopated in f. ,said 116w. extending outlion eqn both sides 0;" and for better cbnfnrmai; m,tne ong gg051 g F E GN P NT I dl-wherby th c5931bc1gh bgdrawn gas ily anq b-Q? u qlk gy v Date withbut binding through hair normally gigfi ,60 3.5 119 3?, Q? Jan. 13, 1904 cult to comb. t.

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